Ben and Jerry Ice-Cream Makers

Ben and Jerry were friends in junior high school. They started and grew their business in 1960's & 70's.

It was during the generation called "hippies ". Hippies believed that people should think more about peace and love and less about making money. It wasn't cool to be a businessman at that time. Ben and Jerry's goal was to make people happy with their ice cream, not to get rich.

In the first year, the business wasn't making money. But Ben & Jerry had promised to celebrate their aniversary by giving away ice cream. Every year on May 5 is "Free Cone Day" for all the Ben & Jerry stores.

For the next three years, Ben and Jerry sales increased but they failed to make a profit for each year. It was clear that they had to make a choice: raise prices or go out of business. So, they raised their prices.

In 1980, Ben and Jerry began expanding their business. They started selling their ice-cream in local stores. The ice cream was a big hit with the public. Time magazine call it the" best ice cream in the world ". Today, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream is sold in nearly every state.

Ben and Jerry also feel there is a spiritual aspect to business which is usually overlooked. Love, kindness and caring need to be a part of every aspect of our lives.

Ben and Jerry have proven that a socially responsible business can indeed work!

Ben and Jerry make great ice cream! But they also use their business as a tool for social change. Their commitment to social values has paid off big in profits and loyalty of their customers and employees.

People love their ice cream. It looks like my children love it, also. After my kids read about Ben and Jerry's history they believe in Ben & Jerry's ice-cream even more.

Now, they only eat Ben & Jerry ice-cream. That's why?